We spoke to the people who were part of Leeds RAG First Dates

Was it love at first sight or second time lucky at Fruity?


Wednesday evening (15th March)  saw Leeds’ very own First Dates restaurant open it’s doors for the ‘Leeds RAG First Dates’ event.  A night where romantic singles were matched with people they’ve never met, all in the hope of a romantic future. Ellie Dean, host of RAG First Dates revealed all about the matchmaking process, saying “we had a lot more interest than we originally anticipated so match making was a rather more stressful experience than we imagined”.

The results of this matchmaking process were put to the test at the ‘First Dates Restaurant’ this week and The Tab was there to find out if it was love at first sight, or second time lucky at Fruity on Friday.

Couple One

Have you ever been on a blind date before? Was it an enjoyable experience?

We have both never been on a blind date before, but it has definitely been a really fun and interesting experience so far.

Was the experience similar to what you expected?

Yes pretty much. It was everything I had expected it to be.

Did you sign up to this event because of the programme ‘First Dates’?

I have only seen it once so I would say no. I actually got signed up by my friends!

What can you see in the future after tonight’s event?

Marriage – I’ve already proposed!

Couple Two

Have you ever been on a blind date before? Was it an enjoyable experience?

I actually went on a blind date yesterday through RAG First Dates! But I am back again, so I must have enjoyed it. My date has never been on a blind date before, but it is enjoyable for sure.

Was the experience similar to what you expected?

I didn’t really know what to expect, it was hard to predict what the night would actually be like.

Did you sign up to this event because of the programme ‘First Dates’?

I do love the programme! But I mainly signed up because I had a few drinks yesterday and just went for it.

What can you see in the future after tonight’s event?

We are going to meet up for a drink again!

Couple Three

Have you ever been on a blind date before? Was it an enjoyable experience?

Both of us have never been on a blind date before. I was really stressed before, but now I am here, I am finding it an enjoyable evening.

Was the experience similar to what you expected?

Yes I was expecting it to be similar to this, but I must say it is even slightly better. The venue is great and it has been very well organised. I get to spend my evening with a lovely lady too, which is even better.

Did you sign up to this event because of the programme ‘First Dates’?

No, I saw an advert for the event at uni and I thought that it was perfect for a single person like me. I feel like I should have watched the TV show to know what to expect though.

What can you see in the future after tonight’s event?

Truthfully, we don’t match on a lot of things, we don’t even like the same movies!

Couple Four: A double date

Have you ever been on a blind date before? Was it an enjoyable experience?

None of us have ever been on a blind date before, but it has been a great experience so far.

Was the experience similar to what you expected?

We were all not too sure what to expect really.

Did you sign up to this event because of the programme ‘First Dates’?

Yes! Three out of four of us have seen the TV show, and this is why we decided to come. We love the TV Show, and we wondered if it would be the same type of thing.

What can you see in the future after tonight’s event?

We can see Friday night at The Terrace. And then we’ll all get married.

Couple Five

Have you ever been on a blind date before? Was it an enjoyable experience?

The girl has, but this has been the best blind date she has done so far.

Was the experience similar to what you expected?

Yes, I was not too sure what to expect, but it has been better than what I thought. I thought it was going to be a lot more awkward.

Did you sign up to this event because of the programme ‘First Dates’?

No, it was my housemate who pushed me to try it out, but I agreed. It is a fun way of making money for charity.

What can you see in the future after tonight’s event?

We will probably bump into each other at social events, because I found out that we both do the same sports.

In true, ‘First Dates’ style, we also spoke to the waitresses at the venue. Surrounded by the hopeful couples all night, they heard and saw a lot more than anyone else.

Have you seen any sparks tonight?

Yes, two couples have stood out in particular to me, but everyone seems to be going really well.

Would you ever go on a blind date yourself after seeing so many successful couples tonight?

Maybe after seeing everyone tonight, it looks like a lot of fun! Although I would still be a little bit reluctant to sign up.

Who paid for the meal?

Most couples have actually split the bill!

What has been the most fun part of the night for you?

I have enjoyed wondering around and watching everyone, just seeing what is going on!

The event has brought a huge mix of marriages, second dates and breakups over films. There is still hope for every singleton however on Friday at the final mixer. But for now, the blind dates will continue to create a lot of love, all for charity. The event has already raised £730 for The British Heart Foundation, and that figure is set to rise even more over the coming days.